Album of the Day

Phish's long, strange trip began at the University of Vermont in the mid-1980s; with a healthy chunk of Grateful Dead in their repertoire, they soon grew to become one of rock's preeminent jam bands. It's little surprise that the quartet's self-released 1989 debut, JUNTA, reflects a love of improvisation – what's really impressive is the ambition and execution of this music. Forged from extended rehearsal sessions, these progressive rock epics display amazing versatility as the foursome navigates song structures that are both compelling and unusual on cuts like “Fee,” “You Enjoy Myself” and “The Divided Sky.” Reissued on Elektra with three live bonus tracks a few years after the original cassette, JUNTA announced the arrival of a great band, and we'll cue it up now to wish Phish guitarist-songwriter Trey Anastasio a happy birthday.